Author

HAGEL, M. D.
Halcrow Yolles
LISSEL, S. L.
University of Calgary Schulich School of Engineering, Civil Engineering
STURGEON, G. R.
Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Assoc.

Abstract

In Canada, thin stone veneer connectors are usually fabricated to a custom design. These connectors often have three major components: a stainless steel plate with dowels that engage the stone veneer, an angle bracket which supports the plate and is connected to the structural backing, and two sets of fasteners, one set connecting the angle bracket and plate, and one set connecting the angle to the structural backing. The systems are exposed to possible corrosion because the angle bracket is typically hot-dip galvanized or oxide coated, the plate that engages the stone is stainless steel according to CSA-A370-04, and the fasteners are either mill-galvanized or stainless steel. Therefore, corrosion due to the contact of dissimilar metals can occur between plates, angle bracket and fasteners in the presence of moisture where the two metals are not separated by an insulator. Sixteen fully-assembled connector specimens having various combinations of component corrosion protection were placed in a fog room (100% R.H. and 22°C) and four companion connector specimens were placed in a 50% R.H. controlled environment. It was found that no corrosion occurred without moisture present (specimens in the 50% R.H. room) and that the maximum corrosion rate in the 100% R.H. fog room varied between 0.02 ?A/cm2 and 2.23 ?A/cm2 depending on whether it was a nut, fastener or angle bracket in contact with a dissimilar metal.

Key words
connector corrosion, galvanic corrosion, thin stone veneer, anchor, corrosion rate